My generation gets a lot of media attention. From selfies to social media, Millennials have a reputation for narcissism and entitlement.
We’re not all bad, I promise. And though there might be some truth to the Millennial stereotypes, it’s not always a negative thing.
In an editorial for The New York Times, Millennials were called “Generation Sell.” We have embraced the small business world with open arms, to the point where it has become one of our defining cultural traits. Nonprofits and food trucks and start-ups, oh my!
Almost 16% of small business owners in 2012 were under 35, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Many of us (myself included) have worked for small businesses or start-ups. Many of us (myself included) have done freelance or consulting work along with our full-time work. Many of us (myself included) would love to own a business someday.
Those “negative” stereotypes I mentioned earlier? Some of those qualities help our careers, especially when it comes to starting a business.
Think about it:
A Touch of Narcissism Can Help a Small Business
To run a successful small business, a little narcissism might help.
Before you start tweeting me about how awful narcissism is, keep in mind that I’m not talking about true self-obsession here. But business owners need to be able to self-promote, show off their talents and build a following.
Millennials might get teased for taking pictures of their meals and sharing them on social media, but for food truck and restaurant owners, that sort of buzz can help their business.
I sometimes talk about myself in these blog posts. It’s not out of narcissism, but the desire to connect with readers. To create the most engaging post possible, sometimes it helps to bring in a personal story.
Look at how many companies have blogs now. It isn’t about being self-centered, it’s about making a connection with customers. Small businesses have such great stories to tell anyway, why not use those stories to help the business?
“Entitled” Employees Might Work the Hardest
People who expect opportunities and success to simply fall into their laps are entitled. But people who want to move up quickly, are willing to work for it and have the talent to back it up aren’t entitled. They are ambitious.
The sense of entitlement that Millennials are often accused of can actually come from a strong work ethic and the desire to take on more responsibility.
Small businesses have fewer employees, so they need people who can handle a lot of work and fulfill more than one role. Millennials may not have as many years of work experience, but they often offer a lot of versatility.
That multitasking Millennial mindset can be beneficial to small businesses. Harness that enthusiasm and use it to build something amazing.
The world can always use another food truck.
Erin Palmer is a writer and editor who loves to support small businesses, even when they aren’t food trucks. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including The Chicago Tribune and The Huffington Post.
